Job hunting
Potential employees drawn to Marietta eventBy Brad Bauer, bbauer@mariettatimes.com
Article Photos
Fact Box
Ohio's jobless numbers
The state's overall jobless rate rose to a 25-year high of 9.4 percent in February.
Washington County: 9.9 percent.
Noble County: 14.2 percent.
Athens County: 8.2 percent.
Monroe County: 13.3 percent.
Morgan County: 16.5 percent.
Meigs County: 15.2 percent.
Highest: Huron County: 18 percent.
Lowest: Delaware County: 6.3 percent.
Source: Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
A year ago, just five Ohio counties posted unemployment rates above 10 percent. Last month, 63 counties had double-digit unemployment figures, with Washington County just missing that mark with a jobless rate of 9.9 percent.
On Wednesday, many local job-seekers were standing in lines at Washington State Community College for a job fair offered by Washington County Job and Family Services.
About 50 area employers and another 15 colleges or trade schools were available for people looking for employment or job training. Nearly 600 people attended the event. Past average attendance has been between 400 and 500.
Candy Nelson, supervisor at Washington County Job and Family Services, said not every employer was hiring, but all were accepting resumes.
"Right now, education might be the real key for a lot of individuals," Nelson said.
For Alisa Queen, 42, of Coolville, the job fair was about hope and finding an opportunity. Queen lost her job at Wilbert Plastic Services in October and has been unemployed since then. Her husband is disabled.
"There's just been nothing so far," Queen said. "Everyone is laying off, and here I am looking for a job."
Queen worked in the office and production areas at Wilbert. She was standing in line Wednesday to see about job opportunities at the Bureau of Public Debt in Parkersburg.
"It's my first stop today," she said. "Hopefully there's something."
For John VanCurran, 22, of Marietta, the job fair was about new opportunities. The new father said he would like stable work and maybe hours that would let him finish his college degree.
"I'm working now... in construction," VanCurran said. "I'm looking for something more stable or something in addition. But really, I might even consider something different all together."
Statewide, the unemployment rate rose to 9.4 percent for February, the highest in 25 years. The unemployment rate for the state was 8.8 percent for January. The February figures are the most recent available and were released this week.
In Washington County, the jobless rate in February climbed from 9.3 percent to 9.9 percent. The unemployment rate in the county was 6.3 percent in December. The county posted a jobless rate of 4.6 percent last May.
Jim Gossett, of Marietta, is one of the latest layoff victims. His job was cut last week by Thermo Fisher Scientific.
"I had no notion, no idea," Gossett said. "Last Tuesday, a group of us were called to a meeting. I thought it was for safety training."
Gossett said he wasn't having much luck at the job fair.
"I'm trying to find something like I've been doing," Gossett said. "I'm a chemical operator. That's my experience, and I'm just not finding it. If I was in my 20s, I would probably just jump at the first thing, but I don't know, maybe that's what I'll have to do."
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Brookover
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03-27-09 3:48 AM
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I just moved back to the area and really need a job asap. I know alot of people are looking. It would be nice if some of the employers would cut down on the requirements for positions. I know that I don't have alot of training or any college, but I'm a fast learner and I'm willing to try anything new. Please if anyone knows of any place hiring let me know.
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goulash
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03-26-09 4:38 PM
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Keep in mind the low population of most of these counties listed in the Fact Box. If the "Joads" all suddenly find jobs in Morgan County, the unemployment rate plummets by 5 percent. Also Morgan, Noble, and Meigs have almost no industry so the unemployment rate is, if anything, higher. These stats are questionable at best, but I don't think they are on the high side. Remember, in America we count only people who apply for or are receiving unemployment insurance. That leaves many people who long since gave up looking for work or are "self-employed."
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Oliversgal25
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03-26-09 3:03 PM
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Anyone interested in selling avon?
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Contrarian
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03-26-09 1:17 PM
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Lily: It's Washington State, but I do agree our ability to retrain or train folks initially is solid here due to WSCC, MC, and the Career Center.
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LilyOValley
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03-26-09 11:38 AM
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You are so right Jasmine. But Marietta does have both Washington Tech. and Marietta College. I believe that these institutions are a big part of the reason Washington County unemployment is still under 10% and lower some immediate neighbors, like Morgan County, and much of southern Ohio. Of course Athens County is an exception because of OU.
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Aurora
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03-26-09 10:55 AM
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There are many funding sources to help with college, a person needs to start at the financial aid office to see what options there are.
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Jasmine
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03-26-09 10:20 AM
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I wish the state would properly fund the schools, and we attracted great people for the classroom, which would increase the talent level, and attract more businesses. Marietta would be a better place to live.
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